Where Hope Lives

Board of Directors

Kim Simplis-Barrow - Chair Person

Special Envoy for Women and Children

Global Ambassador, Special Olympics International

Mrs. Simplis Barrow was appointed as Belize's Special Envoy for Women and Children in 2008. Within that same year she became the first Belizean to be designated as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International. However, Mrs. Simplis Barrow has been working on behalf of children long before those titles and is the Founder and Director of one of Belize's most prominent NGOs, Lifeline Foundation. She holds two Master's Degrees from Florida International University, one in International Business and another in Hospitality Management. In addition to a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality with a minor in Spanish from the Instituto Technologico de Morelia in Mexico City, Mrs. Simplis Barrow works tirelessly and passionately as a community activist, advocating for the rights of children. Her passion is manifested by her strong commitment and dedication to these special platforms and in turning The Inspiration Center from a dream to a reality for the children of Belize.

Carla Hart – Deputy Chairperson

Director/ General Manager

Maheias United Concrete & Supplies Ltd.

After being prompted by her father to get into the family business, Carl Maheia Hart changed course and pursued a Bachelor’s Degree from the Florida International University in Business Management instead of Marine Biology. Upon returning home she was immediately given managerial responsibilities, whilst learning the ropes to take over the family business. And while she has been very successful in that post, when asked about her greatest personal accomplishment, Mrs. Hart quickly cites her beautiful, loving family who inspires and completes her life.

Dr. Cecilio Ignatius Eck

Consultant Paediatrician/Managing Director

The Pediatric Center

Dr. Cecilio Eck is well known for his professionalism and love for children. He manages one of the most esteemed child care facilities in Belize--The Pediatric Center--and since 2009 is the Consultant Pediatrician for the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Dr. Eck obtained his Bachelor of Medicine in Surgery in 1996 and his Doctor of Medicine in Paediatrics in 2002; both from the University of the West Indies.

Patrick Andrews

Vice President, Scotiabank

Managing Director, Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd

Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize

Joining the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1974 after receiving a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Economics at Kansas State College in ‘73, Mr. Pat Andrews worked his way up the ladder of success to his current post of Vice President. During his time at Scotiabank, Mr. Andrews has had the privilege of working in a variety of countries, including Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Grenada, Costa Rica, Canada and El Salvador. Aside from banking, his other interests are in being an active advocate for Belize Diocesan Development Fund, a member of the Catholic Diocese Finance Committee and now a director on the board of The Inspiration Center. In 2007, he was appointed Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize, a position he still holds.

Estevan Perera, Esq.

Partner/Attorney at Glenn D. Godfrey & Company LLP

Belize Legal Services

Mr. Estevan Perera has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Saint Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Law from the University of The West Indies and Bachelor of Law from Hugh Wooding Law School. He has an array of experiences and expertise in law and real estate. Among Mr. Perera’s many lucrative accomplishments is his appointment as a director on board of the Social Security Board of Belize and Belize Water Services Limited, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Estonia in Belize. Mr. Perera is also a successful businessman as owner of Buy Belize Real Estate Ltd and Buy Belize Auto Rental Ltd.

Patty Arceo

Assistant Manager, El Fogon Restaurant,

San Pedro Town

Patty Arceo is the mother of a loving daughter named Fatima who has been diagnosed with Spina Bifida Cystica. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that her child has the same opportunities as any other fully abled child. Aside from mother, Patty Arceo has held many titles including Medical Assistant of San Pedro Medical Services; Deputy Mayor of the San Pedro Town Council; Manager, Tradewinds Paradise Villas, and Area Representative for Belize Rural South. She now works from home where she can be closer to her daughter.

Nalini Alvarez

Teacher Aide

Stella Maris School

Nalini Alvarez was born on January 28, 1979. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she completed her primary education at Stella Maris School, later moving to New York for five years where she furthered her education at a school for deaf youth. Ms. Alvarez is a great example of perseverance and currently works as a teacher’s aide at Stella Maris School in Belize City. She brings a lifelong experience as a person living with disabilities to the board of The Inspiration Center.